Anderson County Sheriff Chad McBride and 10th Judicial Circuit Solicitor David Wagner are warning students that they could be arrested if they make threatening jokes about school safety.

In a video posted Friday, the leaders promised quick action to any threats.

After investigating several unsubstantiated threats at area schools, in the wake of the fatal Florida high school shooting, McBride said students need to be aware of the consequences.

Some of the students may intend it as a joke but what matters is how seriously law enforcement takes the comments and McBride and Wagner said jokes are taken very seriously when it comes to school threats.

"As we investigate a couple of them (threats) as we speak, if we do find cause to arrest you for making some dumb, stupid, idle threat, you can be arrested," McBride said.

Wagner said the students could be prosecuted under laws about disturbing school, especially if the school needs to close down or if law enforcement investigates the comments.

McBride said parents and guardians need to have conversations with their children and take active roles in their children's lives.

"We know kids are going to be talking about it, because who wouldn't under the circumstances," McBride said. "Don't make jokes about it, don't try to put fear in other classmates and students because once we find out that it's you, you've got a pretty stiff penalty."